What is the P6 connector used for on a PSU?

[Zenara25]

I'd like to know if the P6 connector is a necessary connector. My friends PSU just went bad and he's trying to find a psu that will fit in his Gateway case. His computer is about 3-4 years old. I have a spare one available but it doesn't have the P6 connector.

I'd like to find out if my psu will work?

 

[ShadowBlade]

Was it plugged into anything in the case? If not then, it doesnt matter

 

[Zenara25]

yes it was plugged in.

 

[Wentelteefje]

I was wrong, the P6 is an "auxiliary power connector"...

EDIT: I'm way too sleepy... Want a pic...?

You probably couldn't do without...

 

[Zenara25]

Is it dangerous to try a psu without plugging in a p6 connector?

 

[Mavrick007]

You should read up more on this topic, but it probably will not run as stable without the P6 cable connected if it had one connected before. It was there for a reason

 

[Zenara25]

After examining the pictures on toms hardware the connector is not a p6 (it was labeled a P6) but an ATX12. Does this make any difference?

 

[networkman]

Yes. Many motherboards will not function correctly without the ATX12 connector plugged in - coincidentally, a mistake I made this past week, since I didn't see the connector on a system I was building. And the system didn't boot until I plugged the connector in.

Now, I have seen 4pin molex to ATX12 adapters at computer shows, so you can use a power supply that doesn't have an ATX12 plug.. I'm trying to locate one now. When I find it, I'll post a link.

Edit: Okay - HERE is a place that has the connector you'd need.

Drive to P4 Adapter
Converts single drive connector to P4 connector. Allows for non-P4 ATX power supply to support P4 motherboard. Space saving design.
Availability: Usually ships the same business day
drive-to-p4-adapter price: $5

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, The 4 pin connector has duplicates of wires in the 20 pin section. Same as using bigger wire and isolating power leads to preventing impressed signal mixing on faster processors etc. All mother boards I have checked out had the 4 pin socket connected to the 20 pin dups on the Mother Board. Those were pretty old boards. If you don't have a place to plug it in just leave it off. Luck, Jim

 

[Zenara25]

Thanks for the help everyone